Monthly Archives: June 2008

Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation recently purchased 689 acres, including three miles of stunning bluff at Welch’s Knob in Scott’s Gulf, near Fall Creek Falls.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund are providing funds for the purchase. The land will be transferred Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency and open to the public for hiking and hunting. The 689 acres overlooks 10,000 acres that was previously donated by Bridgestone Firestone in 1998 and 2000.
On July 26, several area residents gathered at the bluff for a special dedication of the land.
Scott’s Gulf is a deep gorge carved by the Caney Fork River. Fall Creek … Read More

Ethan Roberts slides under the tag to score one of Sparta's 11 runs in the win over Gallatin.

Trenton Hodges retreats to third in the 9/10 opening game which was an 11-4 win by Sparta.

Tyler Randolph is greeted by his teammates after his homerun.

Sparta’s 9/10 year old All Star opening game turned into a late night performance, but was a successful one as they captured an 11-4 win over Gallatin.
Less than two hours before time for the first pitch in the first game of the night, one of those patented scattered thunderstorms rolled through Sparta forcing officials to push back the start of the games … Read More

AEDs encouraged for schools
School districts will be encouraged to place automated external defibrillators in the educational facilities under a new law that goes into effect July 1.
However, the placement of these lifesaving devices will be totally left up to the individual school system and be contingent of the availability of funding from its own budget. The law plainly states, “No funding by the LEA (Local Education Agency) from the state would be allocated or expended for the purchase or maintenance of an AED.”
In addition, the law stipulates the school system would now be responsible for any civil liability for any personal injury that results from … Read More

Blake Lynn picked up the win on the mound for the 12 year olds in the opener allowing just one run while striking out nine of the 15 batters he faced.

Devon Davidson is greeted at home plate by his teammates after his grand slam.

The opening game of All Star competition is a key to how a team will fare.
It’s about getting off on the right foot and building confidence for what lies ahead. If the success of a team in their opening game is indeed foreshadowing of things to come, then Sparta Little League’s 12 year … Read More

Law enforcement officers prepare for a fugitive roundup as part of Operation FALCON, which included White County.

A seven-day operation led by U.S. Marshals saw more than 800 fugitives arrested in Middle Tennessee, with 200 captured in the Upper Cumberland.
According to Sgt. Jody O’Dell, of White County Sheriff Department who also serves as a U.S. Marshal, Operation FALCON (Federal And Local Cops Organized Nationally) 2008 was conducted in this region June 15-21 and spread across 32 counties, with five teams searching for the fugitives, including WhiteCounty. The combined efforts of surrounding law enforcement agencies targeted violent felons and sex offenders.
O’Dell said he sent … Read More

Volunteer firefighters responded to the scene of a fire Tuesday afternoon where a barn was engulfed in flames.

According to Paul McCormick, chief of Mt. Gilead Fire Department, firefighters responded to 380 Iris Drive, at approximately 2:30 p.m., June 24, about a barn that was “heavily involved,” which is reference to a full-fledged fire. McCormick said the barn belonged to Jack Robinson, who resides at the same address.

McCormick said there was an electrical short in the meter box, which is reportedly the cause of the fire.

McCormick said the fire was completely under control by 5 p.m., and emergency services personnel cleared the scene by 6 … Read More

William “Bill” Dulaney was born to John L. and Betty Talley Dulaney on October 14, 1914 in Warren County, Tennessee. He was the second child and only son of the couple. His older sister, Melvina Dulaney McCormick, was born in 1911 and is still living.
Bill grew up in a very difficult time in the United States. And his father died when he was quite young.
He was able to attend the fifth grade but had to quit when his father passed away in order to work to support his family. He and his sister did whatever they could to help including selling eggs. For Bill, it was … Read More

In addition to the team's getting ready, the fields are also getting fine tuned prior to the start of the three tournaments which will be played in Sparta.

The Sparta Little League fields will be buzzing with action beginning this weekend, as the local league will play host to three different tournaments.CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
The 11/12 baseball and softball, as well as 9/10 baseball area tournaments get underway Friday. Sparta will also be host to the district tournament. Volunteers have been doing renovations at the field this week in preparation for the event. It also takes … Read More

Alton D. Adcock, 78, of Sparta, passed away June 25, 2008, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.
Adcock was born Feb. 9, 1930, in DeKalb County, to Erby Adcock and Elizabeth Felts Adcock.
He served in the U.S. Army and was retired from Thomas Industries.
Adcock was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Verdie Lee Hawkins Adcock, of Sparta; one son, Dwight Adcock, of Sparta; two granddaughters, Savannah Stebing, of Cookeville, Amanda Adcock, of Lebanon; one great-grandchild, Austin Stebing, of Cookeville; and two sisters, Rowena Adcock, of Nashville, Ina Jo Prater, of Detroit.
Funeral service will … Read More

A plan to help protect residents in City of Sparta in the event of severe weather conditions may soon come to fruition after a presentation by Sparta Fire Chief Ed Kay to city officials on Thursday.
Kay explained to members of Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen about their options for ensuring city residents are forewarned of possible tornadoes.
Kay said he contacted some companies that provide this type equipment. One company provided a “rough proposal” that would cover the city and also outlined what would be needed to install the tornado sirens and implement their usage.
The national standard for a tornado siren, according to Kay, is … Read More

Okay guys and girls, here’s your big chance to take a shot at me. It’s just the chance that some, if not all of you, have been waiting for.
What exactly am I talking about?
Well, I will be doing a stint in the dunking booth at the Big Fourth of July Celebration on the square. I’m not sure yet exactly what time I will be in there, but as far as I know it will be sometime between one and three o’clock. I will be doing my time in there for Project Graduation.
This may be the craziest thing I’ve done – putting this in my column … Read More